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Subwoofers - Final Thoughts with Martin Logan ESL 13A

I’ve narrowed this down to 3 choices (I think) and was looking to see if anyone has had some experience with pairing these subs with ML ESLs? I can’t try and return because they are mostly secondhand purchases, so hoping to get it right the first time!

Force Cancelling subs have been highly recommended, so:

KEF KC92 (or KF92 older model) 2, 3 or possible 4 of these:

https://assets.kef.com/product-support/kc92-subwoofer/KC92_info_sheet_EN_V4_20240124.pdf

Martin Logan BalancedForced 210 - Maybe the best as they match up nicely, but I could probably only do one of these as they are HUGE. I have only one spot I could put one as far as the manual's recommendation goes. Martin Logan says these will cover 3000 sq. ft. My room is only 500 sq. ft. Two maybe overkill, but some say, "2 subs or no subs" Maybe I could put another addition on the house :-( 

https://www.martinlogan.com/en/product/balancedforce-210 - click on Specs/Lit

Lastly, The Swarm Subwoofer System - not sure how well this would work with my ESLs.

https://www.audiokinesis.com/the-swarm-subwoofer-system-1.html

Any advice would greatly be appreciated (as usual).

Thanks, and all the best of the season to you all!

 

 

 

128x128navyachts
navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@rauliruegas Thank you so much for your lengthy, informative, kind reply, so much information, I will have to read this 3 of 4 times, for sure.

But in the end, this pretty well sums it up:

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS

Thank you again and all the best!

 

mark200mph
246 posts
 

I noticed a picture of the carver amazing speakers.i do like the ribbons and the sound of the woofers.to my knowledge the cross around 180hz.enjoy the music and the experiments it stimulates the mind.keep active.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,314 posts
 

@navyachts balanced sound is key. Too much bass and it overshadows the mids and highs - you lose clarity and details. Not enough bass and your system will most likely sound bright. Use the flashlight trick for the toe in with MLs. I would still recommend to pursue resolution to your bass concerns with speaker placement. 
With MLs pulling them about 4 feet (panel to front wall behind speakers) worked for me. About 96-98” apart center to center. If it all fails try a sub. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,314 posts
 

Also…check the filter settings on the DAC. I find the Minimum 0, Clock Wide to produce a bit warmer and fuller sound than the Linear 0. The difference is subtle but audible. 

navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@audphile1 Did the 4 feet, flashlight, can't get more than 72" separation and running the DAC at your suggested Minimum 0. Sounds good but I still may try a sub. Trying to sell off some gear in order to do so. Daughter still has 1/2 left to go at university! if you know of anyone looking for a super low hour, pristine condition Aurender N200, let me know!

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